World Business Report What is needed to steady volatile oil markets?
Mar 10, 2026
Sarah Emerson, founder of ESAI Energy, outlines US inventory buffers and policy hesitancy. George Conboy, chairman of Brighton Securities, gives a trader’s take on price swings and market sentiment. Neil Atkinson, former IEA oil markets head, explains strategic reserve mechanics and supply thresholds. They discuss volatile price drivers, reserve release procedures, shipping risks and refinery inventory pressures.
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Deleted Tweet Caused A Price Whipsaw
- A deleted social media post from a US official briefly pushed Brent prices down, then prices rebounded when the White House corrected it.
- George Conboy recounts the unusual market reaction to a federal official's removed tweet.
Scale And Storage Of IEA Strategic Stocks
- IEA members collectively hold about 1.2 billion barrels of government strategic stocks plus 600 million barrels held by companies under mandate.
- Neil Atkinson explains storage is in US underground caverns, tank storage and refinery space and releases are offered to market with negotiated payment terms.
IEA Releases Based On Supply Cuts Not Price
- The IEA triggers emergency releases based on a percentage of global supply being cut, not solely on price.
- Atkinson warns normal traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has run down refinery stocks and a shortfall could arrive within days if flows don't resume.